Friday, March 24, 2017

Some cases of the mumps are beginning to appear
in Louisiana. Due to a large outbreak in our neighboring state, Arkansas, we’re
following the cases here in Louisiana closely.

The largest area of concern is Louisiana State University in
Baton Rouge where we have seen at least 20 cases so far. To minimize the spread
of this infection, the Louisiana Department of Health has been
working closely with LSU to provide more than 400 MMR vaccines
to students and faculty.

In addition to making sure you and your family
are up-to-date with your vaccines, the Louisiana Department of Health offers
these reminders to avoid the spread of infection:

Do not share drinks, utensils, or food.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or
sneeze.

Clean surfaces that are frequently touched (such as toys,
doorknobs, tables, counters, etc.) with soap and water or with cleaning wipes
regularly.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an
alcohol-based hand cleaner.

If you have symptoms, stay at home for 5 days after symptoms
begin; avoid school, work or large group settings.

Symptoms of mumps
include:

Fever

Headache

Muscle aches

Tiredness

Loss of appetite

Swollen and tender salivary glands under the ears on one or
both sides

A person who has the mumps virus may not know
they are ill because it can take several weeks after the infection until the
symptoms occur. People are most infectious from one or two days before onset of
symptoms until five days after they notice inflammation of their salivary
glands.